Sunday, May 07, 2006

Illustration Friday: Fat

I guess I don't so much mind being old, as I mind being fat and old.
-Benjamin Franklin

Not picking on Ben. As founding fathers go, he's probably one of my favorites. Don't think he owned any slaves. He was an inventor, a printer, a wise-saying sayer.

Didn't know how to illustrate the topic, so I started searching for quotes, and the one above from Ben just struck my fancy.

Many thanks to all who left comments last week. I try to visit as many posts as I can, but time got away from me. I'm sure Poor Richard had a profound saying about time, but I don't want to search through his almanacs.

Peace to all.

30 comments:

vfm4 said...

i like your idea, would never have thought of it.... nice illustration... :)

Unknown said...

He may have been fat but he was wise. your characters are always so great. I know what you mean about time. I try also but don't always make it to everyones blog.

° said...

good thing u didnt seach poor richard else even more time would have slipped away. great illo
i to o always like ben cause he just made good common sense, which at times seems to be sorely lacking in these time.

Lou said...

Great job with this. Ben sure is a witty chap.

TXArtcGal said...

Fantastic likeness!...and, a great illo for this week's topic! I always enjoy your week each work! Awesome job!

TXArtcGal said...

Okay...that last post shows how crazy my life has been lately! I meant to say, "I always enjoy your work each week!: :)

Amy Zaleski said...

I ran across this quote and thought it a good one ~ nice job! I'm a Ben Franklin fan, so it's nice to see your tribute!

carla said...

I love taking the circuitous route to an illustration, and you certainly did a fine job of it here! I've always like BF...there's something about his compulsion to make lists and personal rules I find very comforting. I like how you've illustrated him with a little smile:>

steve said...

Oh yeah, gotta give props to big Ben --too many reasons to list. I like how the quote search influenced your take on this week's topic--excellent choice!!!

modroom said...

I'm not very clued up on the Founding Fathers, but if your illustration is anything to go by then he seems quite an understanding and thoughtful person with a sense of humour by the quote. Great face, like the mid-distance reflective gaze.

Cez said...

Beautiful...I like it...very good idea!!!

HARDWAX said...

The quote is so surprising, i am thinking, hating to be fat is more a twentieth-twenty first century phenomenon, maybe like so many other things-he was ahead of his time, he looked distinguished-guess he didn't see it that way.

Beautiful rendering! If that isn't Ben Franklin i'll eat my monitor. Love the little smile.

TheTart said...

Wonderful! Ben is one of my fav people. He & I share something in common. : )

UR style is always so great!
Smooch,
The Tart
; )

Tony Sarrecchia said...

Ben was cool. Great illo!

Katili said...

I agree with Mr Franklin in the old&fat thing, totally!

Katili said...

I agree with Mr Franklin in the old&fat thing, totally!

Kim de Young said...

You drew him with a sparkle in his eye, wonderful!

Paul Tuller said...

The lighting really creates a nice atmoshpere for this photo - very fitting. You stayed true to the classic no-smile expression too

QweySpiral said...

Nice treatment! can't beat Ben for wisdom LOL

Alison Ashwell said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Alison Ashwell said...

Great quote- very apt from the topic and from what i've read he was a very interesting character. I keep meaning to read up more on some of the American presidents, since being European, i think my general knowledge of them is sadly lacking in this area.


I like the expression on his face - lovely illo

trowbridge chronicles said...

What a fun and amusing take on old Ben. A good likeness too.

buep said...

fantastic job! The old Ben has a very friendly expression hier.

valerie walsh said...

Mr.T you always come up with a unique view of the theme and this is no exception! Love the man,the quote and your illo!!!

Wilnara said...

I missed three great entries these past few weeks. Robot - absolutely clever concept. Under the Sea - breathtaking, and this week I love how you captured Ben Franklin.

The Unknown said...

Hawesome!
love

Kim de Young said...

Thanks for the Neil Young link... I am looking forward to hearing the entire album, they have been playing the war song on the local station here a bit... I love when he rocks out with Crazy Horse...

Larry Lee said...

Very nice. This must be before Ben got his spectacles. ;-)

8^)

tiffini elektra x said...

First of all you rocked this topic! Your illustrations are so good! The lines and the lighting - I mean really the lighting is frickin'superb! I really adore your style - it inspires me.

Artfully Mysterious said...

i love your work, this one is great. but however i do not know about time quite yet, i guess im too young... but however i like how you chose to do benjimen because he was very wise and hes on the 100 dollar bill! ^_^-b yea well thanks for being an inspiration for young artists like me!